STATE OPTION OF CONTINUOUS ELIGIBILITY FOR 12 MONTHS; CLARIFICATION OF STATE OPTION TO COVER CHILDREN.

SEC. 4731. STATE OPTION OF CONTINUOUS ELIGIBILITY FOR 12 MONTHS; CLARIFICATION OF STATE OPTION TO COVER CHILDREN. (a) Continuous Eligibility Option.—Section 1902(e) (42 U.S.C. 1396a(e)) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: “(12) At the option of the State, the plan may provide that an individual who is under an age specified by the State (not 111 STAT. 520to exceed 19 years of age) and who is determined to be eligible for benefits under a State plan approved under this title under subsection (a)(10)(A) shall remain eligible for those benefits until the earlier of— “(A) the end of a period (not to exceed 12 months) following the determination; or “(B) the time that the individual exceeds that age.”. (b) Clarification of State Option to Cover All Children Under 19 Years of Age.—Section 1902(l)(1)(D) (42 U.S.C. 1396a(l)(1)(D)) is amended by inserting “(or, at the option of a State, after any earlier date)” after “children born after September 30, 1983”. (c) Effective Date.—The amendments made by this section shall apply to medical assistance for items and services furnished on or after October 1, 1997.